You're reading: Poroshenko gives start to Year of Japan in Ukraine

President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko has signed a decree on celebrating the Year of Japan in Ukraine and during a meeting with Ambassador of Japan to Ukraine Shigeki Sumi he expressed his gratitude to the “land of the rising sun” for its continued and strong support for the independence and territorial integrity of Ukraine, that this country is consistently demonstrating.

Poroshenko also noted Japan’s role in providing assistance to Ukraine in implementing structural reforms and recalled of the allocation of $1.8 billion during 2014-2016 to support the Ukrainian government on the way of changes in many areas of public life, especially in the reforming of law enforcement agencies and the creation of the new police force, the introduction of the judicial reform, the settlement of a variety of environmental programs and other projects, the press service of the presidential administration said on Jan. 11.

“It is very symbolic that the Year of Japan in Ukraine will take place on the 25th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between our countries,” the president said.

Poroshenko expressed confidence that this unprecedented event will be a milestone in Ukrainian-Japanese bilateral relations, will contribute to the rapprochement of cultures and peoples and enhance interpersonal contacts.